EXPLORE: What does California's color-coded monitoring system mean for schools?Coronavirus updatesQuick Guides
Curriculum
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Testing and Accountability

California is evolving to a new system of testing and accountability that will weigh eight priorities, including school climate and parent engagement, to judge school progress. An education law, passed in 2013, orders a new generation of computer-based standardized tests, starting with Common Core assessments of English language arts and math in 2015.

Quick Guides
July 22, 2020

Quick Guide: How has the pandemic altered California’s school accountability reforms?

California has put on hold most aspects of its school accountability system. Learn more about how the state is handling accountability during the coronavirus pandemic.

EdSource Staff
Commentary
May 5, 2020

We must ensure online testing is equitable to all students

Colleges and testing companies should put student needs at center of decisions on how to handle assessments and admissions in a time of social distancing.

Yoon S. Choi
Coronavirus
April 28, 2020

Parents struggle to find resources, fit into new role as their children’s teacher

Parents are juggling the responsibility of being their children's teacher with their jobs and other obligations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diana Lambert
Coronavirus
March 18, 2020

California school districts learn more about what state expects during a long shutdown

During a webinar viewed by 7,000 people, state officials encourage innovation to provide service and promise cooperation in weeks ahead.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
March 18, 2020

UC Regents should consider impact of college admissions tests on public schools

UC admissions requirements should align closely with California's K-12 curriculum standards.

Michael Kirst and Saul Geiser
Math and Science
March 3, 2020

California’s largest district rolls out seal of approval for STEM schools

Los Angeles Unified is encouraging STEM schools to get a certificate indicating that the school meets high standards set by the district.

Sydney Johnson
Student Wellbeing
March 2, 2020

Plan to cut PE test — and its body-fat measurement — in California sparks debate

Fitness testing too often causes anxiety and shame among students, officials say.

Carolyn Jones
Testing and Accountability
February 7, 2020

California Science Test Results: 2019

Search for your school or district's 2018-19 scores on the new California Science Test.

Daniel J. Willis
High-needs students
January 15, 2020

San Francisco Bay Area parents declare state of emergency over district’s failure to educate black children

Parents want the district to allocate $7.2 million to improve services for the district’s 5,000 African-American students.

Theresa Harrington
Commentary
December 16, 2019

Don't blame tests for differences in educational quality and access

Colleges would miss out on valuable information about student readiness if they eliminate test scores from the admissions process.

Marten Roorda
State Education Policy
December 12, 2019

Some ratings rise in 3rd year of California School Dashboard

Fewer districts will require help from county offices, but colors tell a bigger story; disparities among student groups persist.

John Fensterwald
Testing and Accountability
December 3, 2019

U.S. math scores remain flat on international test of 15-year-olds

U.S. math scores have not budged significantly since 2003 on the worldwide assessment.

Sydney Johnson
Local Control Funding Formula
October 31, 2019

Shorter, clearer (but maybe not more transparent) school accountability plan coming

The state board will deliver an LCAP template that will be easier to read, but it probably still won't be easy to follow the money.

John Fensterwald
Testing and Accountability
October 30, 2019

Reading scores drop in California, most states in much-watched national test

Nationwide scores on NAEP stalled for a decade in 4th and 8th grade while California's slowly rose – latest dip in 8th grade reading notwithstanding

John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis
College Readiness
October 13, 2019

Gov. Newsom vetoes allowing districts to substitute SAT for 11th grade state test

In veto message, Newsom says giving districts the test option would widen inequities in college admission that the bill was intended to narrow.

John Fensterwald